If you have a soft spot for cookies that are delightfully tender and packed with melty chocolate goodness, then this Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. The secret to their incredible texture lies in the cream cheese, which keeps every bite delectably soft while adding a subtle tangy richness. These cookies come out perfectly balanced between sweet and buttery, with luscious pockets of chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe will soon become your go-to favorite for homemade cookie bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first delightful step to baking your soft and chewy cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that enriches to the cream cheese that maintains softness, and the combination of sugars that gives these cookies their perfect chew and caramel notes.
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups offer structure and the perfect crumb to these cookies.
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon helps the cookies rise just enough without puffing up too much.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened for creamy richness and to help the cookies spread beautifully.
- Cream cheese: 1/4 cup, softened, is the magic ingredient that keeps the cookies incredibly soft and adds a subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup brings sweetness with a slight crunchy texture on the edges.
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup infuses moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate.
- Large egg: 1 binds everything together while contributing to the soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons boost the cookie’s aroma with warm, inviting notes.
- Chocolate chips: 1 1/2 cups, generously scattered for bursts of melted chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready right when your dough is mixed. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl—this ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed, which sets the foundation for perfect cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This step aerates your dough, giving the cookies that coveted soft texture and a slight chewiness that feels heavenly with each nibble.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The egg adds moisture and structure, while the vanilla deepens the overall flavor, making your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want to keep the dough tender and not develop too much gluten, which can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This guarantees each cookie is loaded with sweet, melty chocolate.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart—they will spread a little but stay soft and thick. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You’re aiming for golden edges with centers that look just slightly underbaked to maintain that softbatch texture.
Step 7: Cooling Is Key
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps the cookies set while preserving their tender centers.
How to Serve Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the cookies straight from the oven for a wonderful sweet-salty contrast. You could also drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate for a decorative touch and an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of coffee or tea to highlight their rich, buttery flavor with complementary beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies together with a thick layer of vanilla or chocolate frosting for an impressive treat. Or, cut slightly cooled cookies into smaller chunks to sprinkle over ice cream or yogurt for a delightful dessert topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your delicious leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The cream cheese keeps them moist and soft, so they won’t harden and will stay just as enjoyable as when freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag after they’re solid for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen by adding a minute or two to the cooking time, or freeze baked cookies airtight—they thaw wonderfully with no loss in softness.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes wrapped in foil to rekindle that soft, gooey texture like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese in this recipe?
While cream cheese is key to the signature soft texture of this recipe, you could try using equal parts softened Greek yogurt or mascarpone as a substitute, but expect slight variations in flavor and softness.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted, and try chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. Also, spacing them properly on the baking sheet helps keep their shape.
Can I use other types of chocolate instead of chips?
Absolutely! Chopped chocolate bars, white chocolate chunks, or even a mix of nuts and chocolate can be folded in to put your own twist on the classic Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
How do I make my cookies crispier?
If you prefer a crisper cookie, try baking them a couple of minutes longer until golden brown all over, or reduce the amount of cream cheese slightly, which contributes to softness.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully after baking. Just place them in a sealed container or bag, and they’ll keep their softness when thawed and lightly reheated.
Final Thoughts
This Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a revelation for anyone craving a truly soft cookie with rich flavor and gooey chocolate chips. It’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a crowd-pleaser every single time. I can’t wait for you to try baking these yourself, share them with loved ones, and watch them disappear because once you go softbatch, you won’t want to go back!
Print
Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and chewy cream cheese chocolate chip cookies with a rich, tender crumb and melty chocolate chips baked to perfection. These softbatch cookies combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the creamy tang of cream cheese for a unique twist that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your cookies evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside; it will be combined with the wet ingredients later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will provide a creamy base for your dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the creamy mixture, creating a smooth batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly without deflating the batter.
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. Remove them when the edges turn golden and the centers remain slightly soft and underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Do not overbake to maintain the soft and chewy texture of the cookies.
- Using softened butter and cream cheese ensures the dough creams smoothly for the best texture.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with chunks or other mix-ins like nuts if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and soft.
- For a slight tang, use full-fat cream cheese; low-fat variations may affect texture.
